Different Methods to Purify Water

Under most circumstances the human body can only survive for seven days without water. People with dire thirst will be easily tempted to consume nonpotable water. Clear water in streams, rivers or lakes often contains dangerous, invisible contaminants such as parasites, bacteria and viruses. Whether you plan to take an extended trip to the backcountry or you want to be prepared for a natural disaster, learning methods for water purification might save your life.

Boil Water for Purification

• Boiling water is a simple process.

  Boiling water is an easy method to purify water. This process only requires a heat source, a pan and water. Water should be boiled at a full rolling boil for a minimum of one minute to kill all contaminants. Once the water has cooled it can be placed in storage containers for future use. Water used to cook foods like rice and pasta should also be purified by boiling.

Chemical Treatments for Water Purification

• Chlorine bleach is a common household chemical.

  There are two chemical treatments commonly used to purify water: tablets and liquid chlorine bleach. Chemical treatments cause water to retain a faint chemical taste. Be careful not to use too much bleach because it is a poison. According to the Washington State Department of Health, three drops of bleach will purify a quart of water. Purifying tabs made from chlorine or iodine can be purchased at outdoor stores. Dissolve the recommended number of tabs into a container of water.

Filter Water for Purification

• Sand is a natural filter for water.

  Many items can be used to filter water. The safest filtration devices can be purchased at outdoor stores. These filters remove varied levels of contaminates from water. Alternatively, a coffee filter will remove debris from water, but it will not remove bacteria or viruses. A filter can be created using natural materials like sand or crushed charcoal and fabric for a sieve. This process will work in emergencies, but boiling the water after natural substance filtration is a smart safety precaution.

Distilled Water Purification Process

• Distilled water can be bought at a store or made at home and in the woods.

  Distilling water is the most difficult method to purify water. Distillation occurs when water is boiled, the water vapor is captured and the vapor is returned to a liquid state. Distilling water requires more tools than other purification systems: a pan to boil water, a hood to capture vapor and a container to capture distilled water. A makeshift distillery can be created using a pan, a large metal funnel, heat-safe tubing and a water collection container.